With bearded behemoth Louis Moolman at lock, knuckle-dusters made flesh like Thys Lourens on the flank, Bugs Bunny's lovechild Naas Botha at flyhalf and the effortless class of Johan Heunis at fullback, who was going to tell the Bulls they were getting it wrong? Not while the Currie Cup titles mounted up.
Ah, Lord's, that oasis of tradition in a world given over to instant, facile gratification of every which flavour. Yes, dear Lord's, where time doesn't dare move forward one tick unless; where the ungodly clatter of a woman's heels marching to the beat of progress on the pavilion's creaking floorboards causes collars and sphincters to tighten in unison.
Who do Andre Nel's supporters think he is? A better bowler than Charl Langeveldt, or perhaps in some other way superior? Or are they labouring under the falsehood that Nel is an Englishman, an Australian or a Sri Lankan, or a citizen of some other country whose cricket authorities have not committed themselves to racial transformation?
South Africa fast bowler Charl Langeveldt withdrew on Tuesday from next month's tour to India after his selection had caused controversy. Langeveldt, who is black, was included in the squad earlier this month ahead of the white Andre Nel in accordance with Cricket South Africa's racial transformation policy.